Single Wall vs Double Wall Tents in the Rain

Condensation is the hidden tax of ultralight shelters. A single wall tent saves a pound, but on a cold rainy night that same wall can drip on your sleeping bag all night long.

Know what each wall gives you.

• Double wall separates the wet fly from your living space
• Single wall saves weight but traps your breath as condensation
• Ventilation makes or breaks a single wall in humid air
• Double wall costs a pound for the comfort of dry fabric

In dry alpine air, single wall is a dream. In coastal fog and rain, the double wall earns every ounce back by morning.

Carry a small towel for the walls either way. The best single wall tent in the world still drips on night one if you ignore the vents.